Senior Procurement Professional Review

I manage a variety of suppliers so my role involves expediting orders, liaising with all functions, arranging invoices and a whatever comes my way.

I have learnt how to become a competent buyer through my experience with the business, as well as through my studies with CIPs.

I enjoy my role, and got the exit role I wanted. I enjoyed learning through CIPs, and found it challenging.

The placements were good, but I think they could have been a bit more varied. There are also times where people in your placement are too busy to help train you so you may be a bit bored for a while.

There are monthly calls with our discipline manager to get udpates and support, as well as 12 week reviews where we receive feedback from our placement managers.

I personally thought the online workshops were not that helpful for my study style, and it would be nice if they were optional, as well as having other ways to work with CIPs.

Because you learn the foundations through CIPs, you are able to apply this in your day to day role, making it specific to your business through your experience.

We have apprentice meals every now and then, and these are more frequent post-lockdown. There are a few clubs arranged by apprentices and these have become more common recently, which is nice to see.

Yes

I felt looked after by the business as a whole whilst an apprentice. The pay is very fair, and the experience gained through placements is invaluable.

Be ready to be out of your comfort zone, and don't feel like a burden for not knowing anything. Ask as many questions as you can think of, and believe in yourself.